Chapter Twenty-Six: Implication

  "In my opinion, although China's sovereignty should belong to the Chinese government, which is what we hope for, but to be honest, the mess left behind by the Qing dynasty is a big headache that the Republic of China cannot clean up in a short time. At this moment, even if our country's sovereignty has been taken away by foreign powers, we have to think carefully about which foreign power it would be best to let take it."

  The remarks of this high-ranking official in the Ministry of Land and Resources have triggered a strong reaction from many people. It is clear that these words are somewhat treasonous. The fact that China's sovereignty was stolen by foreign powers is already an unfortunate thing, so why would we want to see which power steals it? Sovereignty is not a commodity, it can't be sold to whoever wants to buy it.

  But thinking carefully, the words of this high-ranking official in the Ministry of the Army are not unreasonable. Since China's sovereignty cannot be recovered for a period of time, the powers that have taken away China's sovereignty can also be divided into good and bad. Of course, the good and bad here do not refer to the good or bad of these powers in dealing with Chinese affairs, but rather whether the Chinese government is easy to talk to in diplomatic contacts.

  The powerful countries that are easy to talk to will be helpful for China to regain its sovereignty through diplomatic means in the future. The powerful countries that are not easy to talk to, however, make it much more complicated.

  Now, many privileges in Shandong originally belonged to the Germans. The Germans had intended to return all rights and interests in Shandong to the Chinese government, but the Japanese attempted to obstruct this and even tried to occupy Shandong themselves. Judging from appearances, it is clear that the Japanese are in the wrong. Moreover, Japan's methods of dealing with China have always been much more severe than those of other nations; no one wants Japan to inherit the privileges in Shandong.

  "Now the Japanese are taking such a tough stance, to be honest, it's really damn annoying." The high-ranking official from the Ministry of the Army continued without caring about the looks on others' faces.

  As people talked about this sensitive topic, they gradually fell silent.

  Xu Shao Wen suddenly said: "After all, it is because my China is weak and the powerful countries are arrogant. If my China cannot become strong, the sovereignty of China will not be complete for a single day."

  These words shocked everyone present. The previous big shots were all accusing and blaming, but now Xu Shao Wen turned the spearhead to accuse China of being weak, isn't that a case of elbowing outward?

  However, everyone present did not say anything. On the one hand, they were afraid of offending Xu Shichang's dignity, and on the other hand, what Xu Shaowen said was indeed true. If China is strong enough, would foreign powers dare to covet it?

  "Alright, alright," Xushichang mediated, saying, "Today was originally a happy occasion, let's not discuss these unhappy topics."

  At this time, Hu Mingyu saw Li Zhenning standing aside silently, and immediately went up with a big laugh, saying: "You are Wen Hansheng's nephew, aren't you? I have an old relationship with your father. In my early years in Shandong, I got to know your father, and we still exchange letters frequently. Just the other day, your father mentioned in his letter that he wanted me to take good care of you. It has taken so long for me to come see you, nephew, and this uncle of yours really owes you an apology."

  "Uncle Shi, please don't mention it again. As the supervisor of the Ministry of War, you are busy with military affairs every day, and I wouldn't dare to disturb you." Li Zhenning hurriedly smiled and apologized. At first, he had been looking at Hu Min'er all along, but when he found that Hu Min'er was always looking at Xu Shao Wen, he couldn't help feeling a little regretful in his heart.

  Xu Shichang smiled and looked at Li Zhenning, then at Xu Shaowen, saying: "The rejuvenation of China is precisely in need of young and excellent talents like you."

  Xu Shaowen and Li Zhenning looked at each other and smiled, but neither of them said anything.

  Hú Lóng Xī walked over from the side and said to Xú Shào Wén and Lǐ Zhèn Níng: "Since you've come, I'll give you a piece of news. In about a month's time, my army university will arrange for all students in the fourth regular class to go out for further study, which includes detachment duties and outdoor training."

  He said that at this point, he took a look at the high-ranking official of the Ministry of War who had just spoken, and then continued to say: "During this period, the Ministry of War will have several military operations, all of which are encirclement and suppression operations against the remnants of the White Wolf in western Henan. It is possible that a few students from the Military Academy will be selected to participate in actual combat training."

  Xu Shaowen knew about the Bai Lang riot. In 1912, the Republic of China had just been established, and Yuan Shikai had stolen the fruits of the Xinhai Revolution. This Henan man Bai Lang immediately jumped out to oppose him and gathered a large group of peasants to start a riot. They repelled the government army's suppression several times and occupied cities and lands. However, during this period, Bai Lang's rebellion was nearing its end. Due to prolonged mobile warfare, they had no base, and their food, grass, and ammunition were all affected. The government army took advantage of the situation to attack, and they were already at a dead end.

  "I had previously discussed with Old Xu and Hu, since you two young people have performed outstandingly, so the first batch of overseas study quotas should include you." Hu Longxiang added.

  Xu Shaowen and Li Zhenning both showed different expressions, but fortunately, they were interested in this learning method. However, Li Zhenning, a rich young master, was still very reluctant to follow the troops to surround and annihilate the bandits, so he looked somewhat at a loss.

  Hu Mingyu saw Li Zhenning's expression and asked: "What's wrong, Wenhan? If you have any opinions, you can say them now. Since Principal Hu is here, we can also discuss it."

  Li Zhenning smiled awkwardly and said, "Actually, my father has always hoped that I would join the military and enter politics. Although the military and government are one family, I still have a stronger inclination towards politics, so I've been working hard in this direction every day."

  Li Zhenning's words are quite cryptic, but everyone is about the same age, so they can immediately understand what he means. Jun Zheng is a compound word that can also be understood as military and political affairs. It's clear that Li Zhenning doesn't want to follow the Army Department for practical combat training, but wants to go to the team's auxiliary service.

  Hú Lóng Xiāng smiled and said, "Actually, whether it's on-the-job training in the army or being sent to various military and government agencies for internships, almost every student will experience both types of off-campus learning during the three years at the Army University. However, since Wén Hàn you have prepared to go to the team attachment duty, I can arrange for you to go to the team attachment duty for the first semester's off-campus learning. But for the second semester, you'll have to follow the school's arrangement."

  Some of the dignitaries present were dissatisfied with Li Zhenning's picky attitude, but on the surface, they didn't make a sound.

  Xu Shichang looked at Xu Shaowen and asked: "Wenyuan, what are your plans?"

  Xu Shao Wen smiled slightly and said sincerely, "Since attachment duties and outdoor training are experiences that every student will go through, then I naturally follow the school's arrangements."

  Hú Lóng burst out laughing and said, "Wén Yuǎn has always been very casual, but I have a little selfishness. I see that Wén Yuǎn and Wén Hàn have known each other since their days at the Army Middle School and are good friends, so I hope in the future you two will become inseparable partners. Since Wén Hàn is going to be attached to the duty team, then this time Wén Yuǎn you go with Wén Hàn together."

  "Shaowen will naturally obey," said Xu Shaowen.

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